Nordic, Baltic states conditionally agree to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – The Nordic and Baltic countries agreed on Tuesday to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine under certain conditions, Danish media reported.

Following a meeting of the Nordic-Baltic Eight foreign ministers on the island of Bornholm hosted by Denmark's rotating presidency, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said: "We all agree that the mission is necessary; we just see different roles," according to public broadcaster DK.

“Poland is a frontline state, sharing a 650-kilometer border with Russia. We see our role as ensuring access to Ukraine by train and plane, so that others can fulfill their mission in Ukraine,” he explained.

One of the major challenges is that a long-term ceasefire is required before any soldiers can be deployed, but the parties have yet to agree on the conditions, according to the broadcaster.

While Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said he sees no disagreement, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stressed that they want to participate in a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, but many conditions must first be met.